D Home ⋅ January-February 2006

Decorating Cues From Memoirs Of A Geisha

Taking visual cues from "Memoirs of a Geisha," this season’s home decor reflects Japan’s quiet nobility.

From D Home January-February 2006edited by Todd Johnson

Memoir Madness

Epic Beauty >>This CLOTHING CHEST from Del Saxon has been described by a Smithsonian restoration expert as one of the finest Japanese lacquer pieces in the United States. Made for the Tokugawa Shogun dynasty, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867, this chest from the late 1700s exhibits the family crest, which is the spinach leaf intricately painted in red and gold lacquer with silver leaf. It still has the original silk interiors, also embroidered with the crest, and silk ribbons that were used to secure it in traveling. Like the Medici family in Italy, the arts flourished under the Tokugawa Shogun dynasty in Japan, and this was produced at the height of the lacquer period. Del Saxon Fine Arts & Antiques (to the trade). 1525 Hi Line Dr., Ste. B. 214-742-6921.

<< Egg DropA KENSHOMA VASE from Forty Five Ten is crafted in the traditional Japanese eggshell lacquer technique. Tiny pieces of toasted eggshell are hand placed with tweezers to form unique patterns and designs. Each piece is then dipped many times in natural resin to create a smooth surface. $85 to $150. Forty Five Ten. 4510 McKinney Ave. 214-559-4510.

Water Lily >>A RED CLOISONNE SINK is made even more graceful in the shape of a lotus blossom. It has a nickel rim, and the bowl has an engraved lotus pattern, also in nickel. A frog on a pewter lily pad drain adds to its Asian harmony. Designed by Linkasink. TKO Associates Inc (to the trade). 230 Decorative Center. 214-741-6060.

<< Rest Your RoeDesigned by Fernando and Humberto Campana, the SUSHI III CHAIR might be a bit crazy. But it’s great to look at. And who doesn’t love sushi? Just $19,000. www.mossonline.com.

Squeeeeeeze! >>Makiko Yoshida’s FACES ON THE MOON STRESS BALLS make us smile. Made of polyurethane resin and really weird, the set of four is $135. www.mossonline.com.

Wall to Wall >>As a contrast to the extravagant decoration of 18th century chinoiserie, DE GOURNAY offers a new take on 1930s Japanese style. The hand-painted wallpaper panel "Cranes" is inspired by flowing organic shapes and shows the high degree of stylization of Japanese woodcut prints with the flatness of the brilliant colors. The cranes, lotus blossoms, and fluid branches are in today’s color palette of chocolate brown, pink, and faint gold, but you can get them in custom colors of your choice. Walter Lee Culp Associates (to the trade). Dallas Design Center, Ste. 500. 214-651-0510.

<< Explore Japan LocallyIn Japanese culture, the creation of a garden is akin to an art form, expressing nature through rocks and plants placed in a design that provides a meditative place. Enjoy a feeling of tranquility as you walk among the simple beauty of the 7-acre JAPANESE GARDEN AT THE FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDENS. Meandering paths wind up slopes to reveal engaging vistas and over bridges near the soothing sound of waterfalls. Imperial carp (koi) stir the pools, which reflect the colorful foliage and evergreen shrubs. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. 817-871-7686, www.fwbg.org/japanese.htm.

Fabulous FabricsClockwise from top left.

KOI, from Schumacher features a water blue background with flowing lines and lively orange koi. WILDE CHRYSANTHEMUM, from Osborne & Little, is a large scale print featuring huge red chrysanthemum blossoms on a monochromatic background of stylized leaves and branches.ASUKA, also from Osborne & Little, features brightly colored peony blossoms surrounded by highly stylized leaves woven in metallic thread.KOI POND, available from Kravet, has a heavy black chenille background with large realistic koi woven in a red jacquard pattern with liberal touches of metallic gold. KABUKI, from Osborne & Little, is a literal interpretation of a Japanese lifestyle including chopsticks and a painted bowl, a paint box with calligraphy brushes, and a fan and combs for the hair, all assembled around an Oriental vase of peonies.OPULENT GARDEN, from Kravet, shows peony blossoms and leaves woven in red chenille on a matte metallic gold background.

Get Your Geisha OnEverything you need - from plants to make-up - for your new Japanese look.

ALL THINGS ASIANNanami Japanese Gourmet MarketThis grocery has everything from sushi ingredients and 20-pound bags of rice to Japanese magazines and movie rentals. 17721 Dallas Pkwy. 972-818-1488.

PRETTY FACEShu UemuraCollection features an array of make-up and accessories celebrating pearls, which are treasured by the geisha for their natural beauty and exceptional value. Available at Neiman Marcus.

BANZAI!Sunshine Miniature TreesThe largest bonsai nursery in North Texas, which has been serving plant enthusiasts since 1965, can provide finished bonsais or rough plants for the more adventurous green thumb. They also offer a free, open-to-the-public class on basic bonsai concepts. 7118 Greenville Ave. 214-691-0127.

FIGHT CLUBTexas Aikikai, Martial ArtsDallas’ top martial arts school teaches Aikido, the Japanese martial art that focuses on the dynamics of movement. It involves techniques derived from Kenjutsu and Jujitsu. 6090 Campbell Rd., Ste. 118. 214-679-7768.

JONESING FOR JASMINETeavanaThe name of this store was developed to mean "a heaven of teas." Here you’ll find all you need to perform the Japanese tea ceremony and all you want to know about the history of and differences between teas. Dallas Galleria. 972-788-9340. www.teavana.com.

MUST-READJapanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat: Secrets of My Mother’s Tokyo KitchenBy Naomi Moriyama and William Doyle. Available at bookstores and Amazon.com.

GIFTS GALOREThe Crow Collection of Asian Art’s Lotus ShopNewly designed and expanded, the Lotus Shop sells educational and Asian-inspired merchandise and gifts. It features jewelry, pottery, books, and children’s games and toys. 2010 Flora St. 214-979-6430. www.crowcollection.org.

BATHING BEAUTYFreshProducts inspired by the film "Memoirs of a Geisha." Line ranges from cosmetics to bath products and includes a rice face wash, flower petal mask, and shimmer powder with crushed pearls. Available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora.